Atletico Madrid have filed a formal complaint with the Spanish football federation (RFEF) against Barcelona over what the club considers an improper approach for striker Julian Alvarez, according to The Athletic. Barcelona are expected to contest the complaint.
Alvarez is contracted to Atletico until 2030, yet the Argentina international has been at the centre of a prolonged transfer saga this summer after he told reporters during the World Cup that he wished to leave the Metropolitano.
A summer of public disputes
The Athletic first reported in May that Barcelona had entered talks with Atletico and were readying a formal offer of approximately €100 million ($116m; £87m) for the 26-year-old forward. Atletico's response was swift and pointed — the club posted a string of mock transfer announcements on social media the following day, each carrying the caption:
